The first city department is scheduled to move into Metrocenter Mall on Sept. 19, developers said.

The Jackson City Council toured the old Belk building on Wednesday as part of an investigation into project delays. The old department store will eventually house about 300 city employees, beginning with the Human Resources Department.

Advertisement

The city plans to move the Parks and Recreation Department, the Department of Human and Cultural Services and the Water and Sewer Business Office from the Jackson Medical Mall to the space at Belk’s.

Also moving to Metrocenter from the old Atmos building are the Public Education and Government TV studio, personnel offices and police Precinct 2.

For months, crews have been working to transform the building into office space, but the project has been plagued by financial issues, which have delayed the move-in date several times. The Jackson City Council has launched an investigation to determine if taxpayers' money has been spent where developers claim.

"This has nothing to do with persons, or personalities," said City Council President Tony Yarber. "It has everything to do with us being accountable to taxpayers' dollars."

The big-ticket item in question is $50,000 worth of wiring that developers have asked the city to pay for.

"It cost $250,000. The city's contribution to that was $50,000," said LeRoy Walker Jr., of Retro Metro.

Developers said crews have been working six and seven days a week to get the job done.

"I feel like this is a good investment. A sound investment for the city, and I'm surprised so much has been done," said City Councilwoman Margaret Barrett Simon.

The progress inside the mall is encouraging news for some struggling businesses along the Highway 80 Corridor.

"We're just trying to keep our head above water; that's all we can do," said Judy Myers of Buckley Cleaners.

Workers at the nearby cleaners said support from loyal customers has been the only thing keeping them going, and they're not alone. Patrick Pettis, owner of Rib Daddy's, said he's been waiting a long time for city workers to move in across the street. He believes their presence will boost his cash flow.

"They ain't going to have a choice but come get it. I send that smoke that way. I know how to attract them," Pettis said.

Retro Metro said it still needs about $1.5 million to finish the entire project. Developers said that money will come from private sources.